Adjustable neckband and collar sizing and ironing board



Jan. 10, 1933. P. KRAEMER, JR 1,894fi46 ADJUSTABLE NECKBAND AND COLLAR SIZING AND IRONING BOARD Filed Sept. 15, 1930 lillllll l IIIIIIII 54 57 6;: 05 I 49 1, L 2717a] 5 v 75 6! 5" 27 WW HT] 5 INVENTOR 60 59] 1k 50 BY ,7 7M4 [w {W ,4? 152 QRNEY Patented Jan. 10, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE ADJUSTABLE NEGKBANI) AND COLLAR SIZING AND IRONING BOARD Application filed September 15, 1930. Serial No. 431,863.

This invention relates to ironing means for apparel and particularly collars.

' One object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described having improved means for holding one or more articles so that an iron for the articles may readily pass over said means.

Another object of the'invention is the provision of a device of the nature set forth having improved means for holding an article either at a button or at a buttonhole thereof.

Another object of the invention is to furnish a device of the class alluded to having an improved covering for an ironing board so constructed as to permit a clamping means to be moved therealong and therethrough, and yet to present a smooth and durable surface for ironing.

Another object is to construct a device of the type mentioned having improved adjustable means for holding collars of different lengths.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device having few and simple parts, and which is relativelyinexpensive to manufacture, rugged, reliable and efiicientin use.

Other obJects of the invention will become apparent as the specification proceeds.

With the aforesaid objects in view, the invention consists in the novel combinations of parts hereinafter described in their preferred embodiments, pointed out in the subj oined claims, and illustrated on the annexed drawing, wherein like parts are designated by the same reference characters throughout the several views.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a device embodying the invention and showing means for ironing a plurality of collars.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1. A

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

V Fig. A is a fragmentary bottom plan view of showing an adjusting means for the anchorage.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view showing in detail an anchor means for a collar. a

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 66 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a rack member.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modification of the means shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a modification on an anchor means.

The advantages of th invention as here outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities are combined in one and the same structure, but, useful devices may be produced embodying less than the whole.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to, which this invention appertains, that the same may be incorporated in several different constructions. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submitted merely as showing the preferred exemplification of the invention.

Generally described, the invention provides an ironing or stretching device for various articles, such as articles of apparel and especially collars. A suitable anchor means may secure the collar to the ironing board or other stretching frame, by engaging end portions of the collar, preferably at the neckband, and more especially at the buttons or buttonholes thereof. In an ironing board, it is desirable that the anchor means he so disposed that an iron, roller, or other ironing device may pass over the collar without obstruction from the anchor means. This facilitates ironing of all parts of the collar, and avoids impact against the anchorage, preventing loosening or breakage thereof. Accordingly the anchor means may lie close to the surface of the ironing board, and preferably so that the iron may readily pass thereover. The anchor means may therefore include a thin plate, fixedly, pivotally or hingedly mounted as may facilitate connection with the collar and removal thereof with a minimum distortion. after ironing. The said plate may be removable when stiff collars are ironed, but soft collars may he slipped off therefrom without removal. The plate may be positively or resiliently pressed against the collar. Since many collars, especially those attached to a shirt, and provided with a button at one end thereof, the anchor means may have means for engaging a button. One manner of accomplishing this is by causing the button to be downwardly passed into a suitable opening therefor. The button and buttonhole engaging means may each be a unitary or even integral construction, so arranged as to maintain the desired stretching of a. collar to a predetermined size. Thus the said plate ma have a button receiving opening therein. t may further be pivoted to maintain the same relative stretching position for button and buttonhole. To stretch collars of different sizes, one of the anchor means is movable, according to size indicia on the board. Suitable guide and locking means may be provided to hold the adjusted anchor means in set position. The covering for the ironing board may have a narrow opening for the movement of the movable anchor means, and said opening may be suitably reenforced, as by the provision of a seam along the covering.

Referring in detail to the drawing, 10 de' notes a device embodying the invention. The same includes an ironing board 11 upon which may be disposed one or more collars 12 to be ironed in any suitable manner, for

example, by a roller 13. The board 11 includes means 14 for holding and stretching the collars so that they may be uniformly ironed to a correct size. While the anchor means may engage any suitable part of a collar, it preferably engages the neckband 15 thereof.

The ironing board may have a suitable covering means, for instance, a layer of asbestos 16 and a fabric 17 overlying the same. The latter may be seamed at 18 and made in one or a plurality of pieces, and provided with an opening 19 in alinement with the same, there being a similar opening in the asbestos sheet. The opening 19 affords a a passage for that one of the anchor means 14 which is movable for adjustment according to the length of the collar to be ironed. To avoid raw edges of the fabric at the opening 19, the same are reenforced, as by under folding portions thereof at 20. These portions are stitched together at 21 beyond the ends of said openings forming the smooth flat seam 18.

The anchor means 1a may be stationary,

while anchor means 22 may be movable according to collars of different sizes. Size indicia 23 may be formed on the underside of the board to show the proper setting or adjustment of the anchor means.

The stationary anchor means 11 may include a casing 24 set into the board. The casing has a bore 25, and mounted therein for removal or pivoting or both, is around bar 26. The latter may have an element 27 permanently mounted thereon. This element may be in the nature of a plate or leaf spring,

and includes a narrow shank 28 received in a small opening 29 of the cover, and a holding portion 30 extending so as to enter a buttonhole in a direction transverse to the length of a collar. The holding portion is comparatively close to the top surface of the ironing board, although it may be slightly spaced therefrom to easily receive a collar. The bar 26 and element 27 may be removable, for stiff collars, by grasping the element 27 with a finger nai or by exerting ressure on the bar through the lower end 0 the bore 25. To hold the bar in required position during ironing, a member such as a detent 31 may be employed pressed by a spring 32 into engagement with a recess 33 in the bar. If the element 27 is to be pivoted, the bar 26 may be round, and a plurality of recesses 33 may be provided.

The movable anchor means 22 includes a casing member 34. The latter may be mounted in the ironing board, for instance, by plates 35 extending in spaced relation to each other along the sides of an opening 36 in the base 37 of the ironing board. These plates 35 form a box like structure, having each end flanges 37 overlapping each other. Each plate 37 may extend from the sheet 16 to the lower surface of the board, at which it is flanged at 38 and secured. Each plate may have a guide portion or rib 39 for a purpose hereinafter set forth. Extending between the plates lengthwise thereof, is a holding means such as a rack 40. This may be constructed in any suitable manner, as a casting or stamping, preferably the latter, and is of a channel form, having side flanges 41 and a web 42 having teeth 43. The latter havea itch corresponding to the smallest standard variation in collar sizes, for example one quarter inch. To secure the rack in position, the end flanges 37 may have suitable openings 44 to receive the ends of the rack.

The casing 34 may be rectangular in cross section, and formed with grooves 45 adapted to receive the ridges 39 to reliably and slidingly guide the casing for movement in alinement with the opening 19 in the covering 17. Provided in the casing is an opening 46 through which the rack extends. Threaded into the casing is a thumbscrew 47 adapted to engage a tooth of the rack to retain the movable anchor means in set position. In order that the head of the thumbscrew may clear a table on which the ironing board is set, the latter may be provided with feet 48.

In the upper portion of the casing 34 is mounted a bar 26 and holding element 27, described hereinbefore for Fig. 6.

In Fig. 8 is shown amodification, wherein a casing 49 is mounted in the ironing board, having a wall 50 provided with a square opening 51. At the upper end of the casing is a closure plate 51a. Reciprocably mounted in the casing is a bar 52 having head 53 adapted to fit the opening 51. Taking around the bar 52 is an expansion coil spring 54 which tends to move the bar downward. Secured to the bar is an element 27. The spring 54 causes the latter to snugly press down on a collar. W hen the element 27 is to be turned 90 degrees, the bar is moved upward, dise11- gaging the head 53 from opening 51, so that the turn may be effected, the spring thereupon reseating the device. Actuation of the bar may be facilitated by a finger piece 55.

The element 27 consists of a plate having an opening or keyhole slot 56 for engaging a button. The slot is so disposed with respect to the pivotal axis, that when the plate is moved'angularly to the position shown on dotted lines in Fig. 5, the small end of the slot is in the same relative position as the holding edge 57 of the plate. Thus the size setting of the device is unaffected. The dotted line position shows the position for engaging a button, and the button is preferably passed downward into the slot, with the collar overlying the plate. The mounting is such that the element 27 may yield downward under pressure exerted by an iron. Since the element 27 may to some extent be pressed into the covering 17 or into thecollar,as the case may be, there is substantially no obstruction to an iron. Further, the bend at 58 may be round, and the edge 59 of the element 27 may be downwardly lipped.

It will be appreciated that the device herein shown is intended. to be merely illustrative,

the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims.

In Fig. 9 is shown a modification including a casing 56 having mounted therein in alined relation a bar 57 having a sliding head 58. An expansion coil spring 59 takes around the bar and acts between the head and end wall 60 at the casing. Pivotally mounted at "31 at an end of the bar 57 is an element 27a having an offset at 62 for the purpose of clearing and overlying the covering of the ironing board as well as the material of the collar. In the position shown in full lines, the element 27a is adapted to be inserted into a buttonhole. After this insertion has been accompl'shed this said element is moved into the dotted line position so as to flatly and closely overlie the collar. To retain the element in the dotted line position the same may be provided with a cam portion 63, which is adapted to move along the wall .60 and to abut the outer side of said wall. Thus the resilience of the spring is effective for reliably retaining the element in the dotted line position. Inward movement of the bar and plunger head may be limited by a stop pin 64. The element 27a is otherwise the same as that hereinbefore described.

I claim: 1. A device, including an ironing board a covering therefor, means movable along the board for holding an article thereon, said means extending through the covering, said covering having an opening extending along the path of movement of said means, said covering having portions forming a seam alined with said opening and extending beyond the same, said portions extending along said opening and reenforcing the covering thereat.

2. A device, including an ironing board, a covering therefor consisting of a plurality of parts stitched together, said covering having the line of stitching broken by an opening alined therewith, the covering parts having integral portions at said opening reenforcing the same, and adjustable means extending from the board through said opening and movable therealong.

3.- A device including an ironing board, a covering therefor having an elongated narrow opening, portions of the covering being folded at the opening to reenforce the same, and beyond the opening in alinement therewith, and means movable along said opening mounted on said board.

l. A device including an ironing board, a covering therefor having an elongated narrow opening, reenforcement meansfor the edges of said opening flat with the covering, and means mounted on the board for movement along said opening, for the purpose set forth.

5. A device including an ironing board, and means for holding a collar thereon, the said means having an element provided with an opening for engaging a button, and a projection for engaging in a butto'nhole of a collar.

6. Adevice including an ironing board, and a single means for holding a collar on the board, said means lying close to the surface of the board so that an ironing means can pass over the 'collarwithout obstruction by said means, said means having an opening for engaging a button and a projection for engaging in a buitonhole.

7 A device including an ironing board, and means to secure a portion of an article of apparel to said board, said means being thin and disposed to lie close to the ironing surface, so that the article maybe ironed without obstruction from said means, said means having an opening for receiving and engaging a button of the article.

8. A device including an ironing board, and an integral means for holding a collar on the board, said means lying close to the surface of the board so that an ironing means can pass over the collar without obstruction by said means, said means including an element engageable in a buttonhole, said element having an opening to engage a button.

9. A device including an ironing board, an anchor means pivotally mounted thereon with the anchor means movable in a plane parallel to the board, said anchor means including a thin plate lying in close proximity to the surface of the board, said plate being adapted to enter a buttonhole of a collar in a direction transverse to'the length thereof, said plate having an opening for receiving a button of a collar, said plate being movable with the anchor means so that the plate projects toward the end of the collar the buttonhole whereof is engaged in said opening. the said opening being so disposed with respectto the pivot axis that the same relative position of the collar is maintained along the board whether a button or a but-tonhole is en gaged, and means to releasably hold the anchor means in a given position.

10. An ironing board having a plurality of spaced anchor means for engaging the buttons or buttonholes at the ends of a collar neckband to stretch the same, one of the anchor means having a plate adapted to enter a buttonhole transversely of the length of the collar, said plate having an opening and being pivoted to move the opening into button engaging position.

11. A device including an ironing board, a plurality of anchor means thereon for stretching a collar, said anchor means being spaced apart for a collar of predetermined size, one of said anchor means having button and buttonhole engaging portions having each equal spacing from the other anchor means, the button engaging portion having an opening for receiving a button.

12. A device including an ironing board, a plurality of spaced anchor elements thereon for stretching an article to be ironed, the board having means provided with an opening at the top surface of the board, and one of said elements being resiliently seated in sat d opening for movement at an angle to the plane of theboard.

13. A device including an ironing board, a plurality of spaced anchor means thereon, one of said anchor means being movable along the board for stretching collars of different sizes between the anchor means, one of the anchor means having a resilient, flat collar engaging elementadapted to closely overlie the collar for securing the same to the board.

14. A device including an ironing board, a plurality of spaced anchor means thereon for stretching a collar to be ironed, one of the anchor means being movable for collars of different sizes, a rack having teeth pitched according to collar sizes, and means coacting between the rack and the movable anchor means to hold the latter in set position.

15. A device including an ironing board, a plurality of spaced anchor means thereon for holding and stretching a collar on the board, one of the anchor means being movable, a transversely ribbed member in the board extending lengthwise thereof, the movable anchor means having a portion having guiding coaction with the ribbed member, and means to secure the movable anchor means in set position.

16. A device including an ironing board having an ironing surface, and spaced elements mounted on the board for securing the end portions of a. collar to said board and leaving the intermediate collar portion free, one of said elements being pivotaliy mounted about an axis parallel to the said ironing surface and arranged to engage the collar in the botto'nhole thereof.

17. A device including an ironing board, and spaced elements thereon for securing a collar to the board, one of said elements being vertically slidably mounted on the board and pivotally movable about a horizontal axis for individual vertical and pivotal movementfor engaging the collar.

18. A device including an ironing board, and spaced elements thereon for securing collar in stretched position on the board, one of said elements being mounted for turning about a vertical axis, said element having a portion for engaging in a buttonhole of a collar, the other element having an opening for engaging a button of a collar, each of said elements being presented individually in operative positions relative to the other element by the turning of the element that is adapted to turn about said vertical axis.

19. A device including an ironing board, and spaced elements thereon for securing a collar in stretched position on the board, one of said elements being mounted for turning about a vertical axis, said element having a portion for engaging in a buttonhole of a collar, and the other element having an opening for engaging a button of a collar, each of said elements being presented individually in operative positions relative to the other element by the turning of the element having the vertical axis, the element having the vertical axis having a resilient portion for causing the element to move snugly downward upon the ironing board.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

PAUL KRAEMER, J R. 

